History of the Wedding Ring

The circle is a shape without beginning or end.  The same is true for a wedding ring.  It is a symbol of unending and undying love.  The first wedding rings were worn by the
ancient Egyptians and made out of hemp or vine and were simply replaced as they wore out.

The first rings in literature mentioned as given for tokens of love date to the Roman Empire by comic Roman poet Plautus in the 2nd century BCE.  These rings were constructed of iron symbolizing the strength of the couples bonds. 

In the fifteenth century, the British elevated the symbol by replacing iron with gold.  It's lasting qualities of strength; beauty and purity have resulted in a custom that has remained unchanged for centuries.  The first
engagement rings served two purposes.  In the early days brides were bought by husband’s and the rings given to the prospective bride were known as betrothal rings and served as a partial payment of the bride and also showed honorable intention from the groom.  The first engagement rings were not of diamond.  The custom of the diamond engagement ring showed up around medieval times in Italy symbolizing enduring love and marriage.